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06/06/2017

Students investigate Chemistry at Work!

Primary Pupils to Experience Chemistry at Work

Primary 6 and 7 school pupils from across the North-east are to explore the world of chemistry this week at a series of interactive workshops coordinated by TechFest.The annual Chemistry at Work event, which is funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry, takes place Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th June at the University of Aberdeen. The event will give the youngsters the opportunity to experience some of the basic principles of chemistry as they are applied in industry, research and everyday life, with the help of people who use chemistry in their jobs.

A total of 18 classes from schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will take part in workshops and interactive talks delivered by industry and research professionals from organisations including the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen City Council, Scientific and Chemical and Xodus Group, as well as TechFest. The sessions include lessons on dissolving and solubility, using energy from waste and how to extract DNA from strawberries. Xodus Group will also deliver a workshop which encourages team working and investigation of the equipment and materials involved in cleaning contaminated water.

Jenny Taylor, TechFest’s STEM Festival manager, said: “The Chemistry at Work event gives a real world context to chemistry studies by using fun and interactive workshops to engage and motivate the pupils. “This is the 11th year of Chemistry at Work and thanks to the support of the Royal Society of Chemistry, our industry partners and sponsors, we are able to continue to promote chemistry to primary pupils as an exciting and hugely relevant subject.”

Rio Hutchings, Schools Engagement Executive at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “Chemistry at Work events are a fantastic way to show young people the importance of chemistry in their everyday lives. This event organised by TechFest is also a great opportunity for students to interact with practising chemists local to their area.”